Green flag for Checkered Flags

Welcome to the Journal Star’s new racing blog, Checkered Flags! Here is where I’ll be sharing my thoughts about all things racing – locally, nationally and internationally – as the season progresses.
Now, obviously, all the focus is on Daytona, and what a week it has been.
How often have you heard people say, “I’ve never seen anything like this,” when discussing the events of this week at Daytona.
The two-car draft has really stirred up a lot of opinions – most of them negative. That’s why NASCAR has been continually revising the rules this week for all three series and may make more adjustments after the Gatorade Duels on Thursday afternoon.
Then there’s the Dale Earnhardt Jr. pole controversy, with a noted ESPN commentator – who admits he knows next-to-nothing about NASCAR – quoting an anonymous source who said there was a chance the pole was fixed.
Wonder what they had to say Wednesday after Junior wrecked the pole-winning car in practice? He’ll now have to start from the rear of the field.
We’re noting the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s death this weekend also. An interesting take on those events by the man who was so intricately involved can be found in Michael Waltrip’s new book, “In the Blink of an Eye.” I read it last weekend and it’s very interesting.
Be sure to check Friday’s Journal Star, where we will devote the back page of the Sports section to Daytona.